Sothearoth Chea

Project Coordinator of Climate Gen, 25 years old Background in Environment and Communication

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum

The story began with the Young Eco Ambassador: Mekong Generation Program in 2018. Thanks to Bong Lykheang and Bong Sereyrath for their amazing leadership in that program, they sparked an inspiration in me to start something. "Start where you are" and "be educated about the environment.", that is where everything started.

I initiated Climate Gen with a few simple goals to deepen my understanding of climate change and connect with passionate young people who are seeking a starting point, and continue the Young Eco Ambassador’s mission in spreading the love for Mother Earth.

Climate Gen, however, became much more. I reconnected with my amazing friend, Trish, to do this together in our own country. Our strong communication, trust, and mutual support were essential to the project's success. Running Climate Gen during my burnout stage surprisingly was fortunate because of the amazing Climate Gen member’s support. With them, I got to be vulnerable and found strength back to continue these goals.

In a position of power, I learned insecurity is a key to confidence.When I began recovering from burnout, the next challenge I faced was mentoring young people for whom I had set very high expectations. Because they were highly competent, I sometimes forgot that they were still university students. We always encourage each other to express our feelings and opinions, and we aim to create a safe space for open communication. When differences emerged, and emotions were expressed freely, things became tense.Conflicts arose frequently, and because they involved not just professional matters but also personal ones, it was very difficult. This is when I learned a valuable lesson: I would do anything - being vulnerable, admitting I am lacking the ability to lead, apologizing and thanking the team for understanding - and try my best to avoid abusing my power in that difficult situation.

My deepest gratitude goes to my incredible team – Nephal, Bong Long, Trish (providing virtual support always), Bong Mei, and Kimsan, who are there to talk about this together and put efforts into solving it in a very kind way. I could not imagine myself doing this without them.

Climate Gen Program stands as my third career-defining experience. The program shaped me into the person I am today, and I am eternally grateful to everyone who made it possible, the Public Diplomacy Section (U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh), Bong Mardi for his trust in us, our generous mentors and seniors who guided us on this amazing journey, members who are still here with us and choosing to stay even though it was hard and hurtful sometime, and anyone who supports us by joining our activities.

Thank you.